Ariza Can Enter UCLA; Phaler Out

Forward Trevor Ariza of Westchester High has achieved a qualifying score on the Scholastic Assessment Test and can enroll at UCLA in the fall.

Ariza, who signed a letter-of-intent in November, might be the only player brought in by Coach Ben Howland this year. Sean Phaler of Villa Park High signed a letter of intent last fall when Steve Lavin was Bruin coach, but Howland encouraged Phaler this week to seek another school.

Howland said at the Laker game Thursday night he would honor Phaler’s scholarship but that the 6-foot-9, 165-pound forward does not fit into Bruin plans on the court. Phaler is contacting other schools that had expressed interest in him.

Howland is reluctant to immediately fill scholarships that could open because of the departure of Phaler and sophomore forward Andre Patterson, who is academically ineligible.

-- Steve Henson